Rivers Govt Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling, Says Defection Issue Yet To Be Decided

The Rivers government has react to the ruling of the Supreme Court, saying that though it is yet to receive Certified True Copy of the ruling, the issue of defection of 27 lawmakers is still pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

The Supreme Court sitting in Abuja had on Friday barred  the Central Bank Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing allocations of the Rivers state local governments. It also reinstated former Chairmen of the Rivers state local governments apart from nullifying the local government election conducted under the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. It further ruled that the conduct of administration with four legislators River state is a nullity and restored Martin Amaewhule-led legislators to office.

A statement by the Rivers state Commissioner for Information & Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, read in part: “At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment.  We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.

“Though we have not gotten the details of the judgment from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm, law abiding and go about our legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgment.

“We believe that the  determination of the main issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes,  Amaewhule and the 26 others are  still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them.

“We assure you that we remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting our dear State.”